Variable cut-off web perfecting press

ABSTRACT

A WEB FED PERFECTING PRESS FOR PRINTING OFFSET IMAGES OF DIFFERENT SIZE ON THE PRINTED WEB. BOTH THE TOP AND BOTTOM PLATE CYLINDERS ARE JOURNALED IN A PRESS FRAME FOR ROTATION ABOUT FIXED AXES. THE TOP AND BOTTOM BLANKET CYLINDERS ARE JOURNALED IN AUXILIARY FRAMES THAT ARE SUPPORTED BY THE MAIN FRAME. THE AUXILIARY FRAMES ARE ADJUSTABLE HORIZONTALLY ON THE MAIN FRAME TO MOVE THE BLANKET CYLINDERS TOWARD AND AWAY FROM EACH OTHER AND TOWARD AND AWAY FROM THE FIXED PLATE CYLINDERS. BOTH OF THE BLANKET CYLINDERS ARE MOUNTED IN ECCENTRIC BEARINGS FOR VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT WITHIN THE AUXILIARY FRAMES SO THAT THE BLANKET CYLINDERS ARE ALSO ADJUSTABLE VERTICALLY RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER. THE PLATE AND BLANKET CYLINDERS ARE ARRANGED TO HAVE ANNULAR PLATES OF DIFFERENT CIRCUMFERENCES MOUNTED THEREON WITH DIFFERENT SIZED ANNULAR FILLER SHIMS BETWEEN THE CYLINDERS AND THE PLATES. THE VARIOUS SIZED PLATES AND FILLER SHIMS PROVIDE DIFFERENT LENGTHS FOR THE PRINTED OFFSET IMAGES ON THE PRINTED WEB. THE DRIVE GEARING AND BEARERS FOR THE PAIRS OF PLATE AND BLANKET CYLINDERS INCLUDE IDLER GEARS AND IDLER BEARERS SUITABLY MOUNTED TO DRIVE THE PLATE AND BLANKET CYLINDERS OF DIFFERENT DIAMETERS. TO CHANGE THE DIAMETER OF THE PLATE AND BLANKET   CYLINDERS, THE ANNULAR PLATES AND ANNULAR SHIMS ARE REMOVED FROM THE CYLINDERS AND OTHER PREFERABLY PREREGISTERED PLATES AND ANNULAR SHIMS ARE POSITIONED ON THE CYLINDERS WITHIN THE PRESS TO CHANGE THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL DIMENSION OF THE PLATE AND BLANKET CYLINDERS. THE AUXILIARY FRAMES ARE ADJUSTED HORIZONTALLY AND THE BLANKET CYLINERS ARE ADJUSTED VERTICALLY TO MOVE THE PERIPHERY OF THE BLANKET CYLINDERS INTO ABUTTING RELATION WITH THE PLATE CYLINDERS AND INTO ABUTTING RELATION WITH EACH OTHER FOR PERFECTING PRINTING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WEB.

Nov. 2, 1971 H. E. MOWRY VARIABLE CUT-OFF WEB PERFECTING PRESS 6Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 19, 1968 1 o l I n u u m w I m m m l w 0x0 4 In 4 n 2 I .J 9 w u a 2 b L m a x a Fl l /A\\ \v m w fl z a o 4 2 2 3 2 bh m y/ INVENTOR HARRY E. HOWE) By Q Attorney Nov. 2, 1971 H. E. MOWRYVARIABLE CUT-OFF WEB PERFECTING PRESS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 R in m v. NE A /YM 5 s a a Q o 0 5 M Q o Q 1971 H. E. MOWRY VARIABLE CUT-OFF WEBPERFECTING PRESS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. -l9, 1968 INVENTOR HARRY E.MOWRY 8y .5 F Q [d Attorney 2, 1971 H. E. MOWRY VARIABLE CUT-OFF WEBPERFECTING PRESS 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 19, 1968 I III! uww svw 3wvww m5 vw W I I m l I In? I l L L l 2. ill u 92 I l m- 1| RN 3 5 Q3 E 3wQw ww vvw 3w 1% Q9 2 um I P New NR www .3 w E am INVENTOR HARRY E. MOWRYA, Attorney United States Patent O 3,616,751 VARIABLE CUT-OFF WEBPERFECTING PRESS Harry E. Mowry, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignor to MillerPrinting Machinery Co., Pittsburgh, Pa. Filed Nov. 19, 1968, Ser. No.777,017 Int. Cl. B41f 7/12, 13/44, 27/06 US. Cl. 101220 15 ClaimsABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A web fed perfecting press for printingoffset images of different size on the printed web. Both the top andbottom plate cylinders are journaled in a press frame for rotation aboutfixed axes. The top and bottom blanket cylinders are journaled inauxiliary frames that are supported by the main frame. The auxiliaryframes are adjustable horizontally on the main frame to move the blanketcylinders toward and away from each other and toward and away from thefixed plate cylinders. Both of the blanket cylinders are mounted ineccentric bearings for vertical adjustment within the auxiliary framesso that the blanket cylinders are also adjustable ventically relative toeach other. The plate and blanket cylinders are arranged to have annularplates of different circumferences mounted thereon with different sizedannular filler shims between the cylinders and the plates. The varioussized plates and filler shims provide different lengths for the printedoffset images on the printed web. The drive gearing and bearers for thepairs of plate and blanket cylinders include idler gears and idlerbearers suitably mounted to drive the plate and blanket cylinders ofdifferent diameters. To change the diameter of the plate and blanketcylinders, the annular plates and annular shims are removed from thecylinders and other preferably preregistered plates and annular shimsare positioned on the cylinders within the press to change thecircumferential dimension of the plate and blanket cylinders. Theauxiliary frames are adjusted horizontally and the blanket cylinders areadjusted vertically to move the periphery of the blanket cylinders intoabutting relation with the plate cylinders and into abutting relationwith each other for perfecting printing on both sides of the web.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the invention This inventionrelates to a web fed press for printing offset images of different sizeon the printed web and more particularly to a web fed perfecting pressfor simultaneously printing both sides of the web with any one of aplurality of printed offset images of different length by varying theeffective diameter of the plate and blanket cylinders.

(2.) Description of the prior art The conventional web printing presshas one inherent disadvantage in that the maximum length of the printedimage is fixed by the circumference of the plate and blanket cylinders.In conventional web presses this maximum size is usually the size of theprinted image produced. It has been found uneconomical to print lessthan the plate cylinder capacity because the segments of the web thatremain blank are wasted.

Patented Nov. 2., 1971 Several solutions have been suggested in the pastto remedy this problem and provide web presses capable of printingdifferent sized products. For example, in US. Pat. #2,2l6,562, a webprinting press is disclosed that includes a plurality of printingmodules, i.e., impression cylinders and plate cylinders for each side ofthe Web. The plurality of modules are mounted on radially extending armsof an auxiliary frame that is pivotally positioned on the main frame.The separate modules have cylinders of different circumferencesjournaled thereon. To change from one length of printed image to asecond different length image, the auxiliary frame is rotated about thecentral axis to position a different module in printing position. Thearrangement disclosed in U.S. Pat. #2,21 6,- 562 is limited to thenumber of modules mounted on the auxiliary frame. Further, the apparatusis expensive to fabricate and maintain because complete printing unitsmust be provided for each length of printed image desired on the printedweb.

Another proposed solution to the above problem is disclosed in US. Pat.#3,323,452 for printing on one side of the web. An impression cylinderis positioned beneath a module that includes both the blanket and platecylinders. To change from one size printed product to another size, theentire module is removed from the press and another module having plateand blanket cylinders of different diameter is positioned on the press.The arrange ment disclosed in US. Pat. #3,323,452 is not suitable forperfecting printing, and also separate modules are required for eachparticular size, which again is expensive and limits the versatility ofthe press. There is a need therefore for a versatile web type press,particularly a perfecting press that can be quickly and economicallyconverted to print different size printed products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a webfed perfectingpress that includes plate and blanket cylinders operable to receivecylindrical plates and cylindrical shims of different dimensions so thatthe circumferential dimensions of the plate and blanket cylinders can bereadily changed. The plate cylinders are mounted for rotation aboutfixed axes in the main frame and the blanket cylinders are mounted forrotation in auxiliary frames. The auxiliary frames are movably supportedin the main frame to permit positioning of the plate and blanketcylinders of different circumferential dimension in operable printingpositlon. Gearing is provided for driving the plate and blanketcylinders of different dimension. To change the length of the printedimage on the web, the plates and annular shims on the plate and blanketcylinders are changed and the blanket cylinders are moved by means ofthe auxiliary frames and eccentric bearings into operative printingposition.

Accordingly, the principal object of this invention is to provide avariable cut-off web fed printing press with plate and blanket cylindershaving different circumferential dimensions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a web fed perfectingpress with the blanket cylinders supported in auxiliary frames mountedon the main frame for operatively positioning plate and blanketcylinders of different diameters thereon.

Another object of this invention is to provide a web fed perfectingpress that has variable effective printing surfaces on the same plateand blanket cylinders.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will be morecompletely disclosed and described in the following specification, theaccompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic views inside elevation illustrating the web press with plate and blanketcylinders of different diameters and the relative position of theauxiliary frames in the two positions shown.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are enlarged views similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 illustratingin greater detail the relative positions of the auxiliary frames whenplate and blanket cylinders of different diameters are positioned on thepress.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the gearing for driving thepairs of plate and blanket cylinders of different diameters.

FIG. 6 is a view in side elevation and partially in section illustratingthe cylinders mounted in the main frame and the auxiliary frame membersand further illustrating the bearers and drive gearing for thecylinders.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view in side elevation and partially in sectionof the auxiliary frame member illustrating the eccentric bearingadjustment means for the blanket cylinder.

FIG. 8 is a view in section taken along the line VII I VIII of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the arcuate path followed bythe axis of a blanket cylinder during adjustment for different diametersof the blanket cylinder.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in elevation of a cylinder with acylindrical plate secured thereto.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating the same cylinder witha cylindrical shim member positioned around the cylinder and acylindrical plate of increased circumferential dimension positioned onthe shim member and secured to the cylinder.

FIG. 12 is a schematic View in end elevation of the web pressillustrating the vertical side frames with the auxiliary frames mountedthereon and the plate and blanket cylinders journaled in the verticalside frames and auxiliary frames.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings andparticularly to FIG. 12 the web press generally designated by thenumeral 10 has a pair of vertical side frames 12 and 14 mounted on abase member 16 and maintained in spaced parallel relation to each otherby tie bars 18. The vertical frames 12 and 14 both have an upperauxiliary frame generally designated by the numeral 20 and a lowerauxiliary frame generally designated by the numeral 22. The upper andlower auxiliary frames 20 and 22 are adjustably mounted on therespective vertical side frame members 12 and 14 for positioning thedifferent diameter blanket cylinders, as later described.

Referring to FIGS. -14 the web fed press 10 has an upper plate cylindergenerally designated by the numeral 24 that is journaled in the verticalside frames 12 and 14 for rotation about a fixed axis 26. Similarly, alower plate cylinder 28 is journaled in the vertical side frames 12 and14 for rotation about a fixed axis 30. As later discussed, the platecylinders 24 and 28 may be journaled in eccentric bearings mounted inthe frame for limited axial movement of the plate cylinders in thevertical frames. The upper and lower plate cylinders 24 and 28 arearranged in parallel spaced relation to each other and rotate about thefixed axes 26 and 30. An upper blanket cylinder 32 is journaled forrotation about an axis 34 in the upper auxiliary frames 20 and a lowerblanket cylinder 36 is journaled for rotation about an axis 38 in thelower auxiliary frame 22. The upper blanket cylinder 32 is offsetlaterally relative to the lower blanket cylinder 36 and the planethrough the axes 34 and 38 of the respective blanket cylinders isangularly displaced from a vertical plane extending through either oneof the axes. The lower blanket cylinder 36 is arranged to serve as animpression or back-up cylinder for the upper blanket cylinder 32 and theupper blanket cylinder is arranged to serve as an impression or back-upcylinder for the lower blanket cylinder 36. The pairs of auxiliaryframes 20 and 22 supported by the press vertical side frames 12 and 14are adjustably mounted on the side frames 12 and 14 to permit movementof the respective blanket cylinders 32 and 36 toward and away from theadjacent plate cylinders 24 or 28 and toward and away from each other.

The plate and blanket cylinders 24, 28, 32- and 36 as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3 have the same diameter and are arranged to rotate at thesame angular velocity. Each of the cylinders include a standard cylinderof a preselected diameter, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. Thecylinder 40 has a longitudinal gap or slot 270 therein that has a firstside wall 272, a second side wall 274 and a bottom wall 276 with alongitudinal recessed portion 278. The Wall 272 is at an inclined angleto permit the plate engaging member to be secured therein, as laterdiscussed. The side wall 274 has an arcuate surface 280 that conforms tothe surface of an eccentric member 282. An elongated member 284 ispositioned in the recessed portion 278 and has an outer arcuate surface286.

Positioned within the elongated slot 270 are a pair of plate engagingmembers or clamps generally designated 288 and 290. The clamp 288 has abody portion 292 with a surface 294 that abuts the inclined side wall272 of the elongated slot 270 and has a pin member 296 that extends into'a receiving passageway 298 in the cylinder 40. A securing means as, forexample, a ball member 300 is engaged in a detent in the pin 296 tomaintain the clamp 288 within the slot 270. The body portion 292 has anarcuate recess 302 to provide clearance for an eccentric member 304.

A clamping member 306 has a triangular configuration in section asillustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 and is secured to the body portion 292 bymeans of screws 308. R0- tatably mounted on the clamping member 306 is ashaft 310 to which is nonrotatably secured the eccentric member 304.Suitable means are provided externally of the cylinder 40 to rotate theshaft 310 for purposes later explained.

The other clamp 290 has a body portion 312 with an external surface 314that has the same arcuate configuration as the cylinder 40 and anarcuate lower surface 316 that has substantially the same arcuateconfiguration as the outer arcuate surface 286 of the elongated member284. A second shaft 318 is rotatably mounted in the body portion 290 andhas the eccentric member 282 nonrotatably secured thereto. A clampingmember 320 has a triangular configuration in section and is secured tothe body portion 290 by means of screws 322 and has an arcuate surfaceportion 324 for the eccentric member 304.

An annular plate which may also be referred to as an annular cover has apair of inturned end flange portions 52 and 54. The flange 52 ispositioned between the clamp body portion 292 and the clamping member306 and engaged therebetween. Screws 308 urge the clamping member 306against the body portion 292 and secure the inturned flange 52therebetween.

The annular plate second inturned flange portion 54 is secured betweenthe clamping member 320 and the body portion 312 of clamp 290 in asimilar manner.

In assembling the annular plate 50 on the cylinder 40, the dependingflange 52 is clampingly engaged by the clamp 288 and the dependingflange 54 is engaged by clamp 290. The clamp 288 with the end of plate50 secured thereto is first positioned in the elongated slot 270 andsecured therein by engaging the ball 300 in the detent of pin 296. Thecylinder is then rotated in preferably a clockwise direction as viewedin FIGS. and 11 preferably by jogging the press drive mechanism to coveror enclose the cylinder with the annular plate The cylinder 40 isrotated until the clamp 290 is in overlying relation with the slot 270.The clamp 290 with the flanged end of plate 50 secured thereto is theninserted in slot 270, as illustrated in FIG. 10. The shaft 310associated with eccentric member 304 is then rotated to exert a radiallyinward force on the clamp 290 and engage clamp 290 to clamp 288. Theshaft 318 is also rotated in a clockwise direction to urge the eccentricmember 282 against the surface 280 and draw the annular plate 50 tautabout the cylinder 40. In drawing the annular plate 50 taut against thecylinder 40, the arcuate surface 316 of clamp 290 moves along thearcuate surface 286 of the elongated member 284. With the two eccentrics282 and 304, the annular plate 50 will be drawn taut over the cylinder40 and rigidly secured thereto.

In FIGS. 2 and 4, the plate and blanket cylinders 24, 28, 32 and 36 havea greater diameter than the plate cylinders illustrated in FIGS. 1 and3. The diameter of the respective plate and blanket cylinders has beenincreased by substituting a second annular plate 56 and an annular shimmember 58 for the annular plate 50 on the standard cylinder 40, asillustrated in FIG. 11. The annular shim member 58 has a predeterminedthickness and a longitudinal slot 60. The shim 58 is arranged to providesupport for the plate 56 on the standard cylinder 40. The annular plate56 is similar to the plate 50 in that it has longitudinal flangeportions 62 and 64 that extend into longitudinal slot or gap 270 of thestandard cylinder 40 and are engaged by the clamps 288 and 290.

The shim 58 and plate 56 are preferably premounted and the registerchecked on a separate master cylinder remote from the press. On themaster cylinder the clamps 288 and 290 are secured to the respectiveflanges 62 and 64 of annular plate 56 with the shim 58 therebeneath. Theassembly of the plate 56 and shim 58 is then positioned on the cylinder40 of the plate or blanket cylinders by first inserting the clamp 288 inslot 270 and rotating the cylinder until the annular plate 56 is wrappedaround cylinder 40 and the clamp 290 is in overlying relation with slot270. Plate engaging member 290 with the flanged end 64 of plate 56 isthen inserted in slot 270 and the clamps 288 and 280 are drawn taut bythe eccentric members 282 and 304 to provide a cylinder having anenlarged diameter as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The upper and lower blanket cylinders 32 and 36 are rotatably mounted inthe respective pairs of upper and lower auxiliary frames 20 and 22. Theauxiliary frame 22 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 7 and 8 andincludes a body portion 74 and end portions 76 and 78. The body portion74 has an outer wall 79 forming a recess 80 within the lower auxiliaryframe 22. The outer wall 79 has threaded apertures 81 therein to receivestuds 82. An annular bearing carrier 84 has a plurality of semi-circularslots 86 through which the studs 82 extend into threaded apertures 81 inthe body portion outer wall 79. The studs 82 mount the bearing carrier'84 within the recess 80 for limited rotation relative to the bodyportion 74. A portion of the bearing carrier outer surface 88 has a gearsegment 90 formed thereon. An adjusting gear 92 is rotatably secured tothe body portion 74 and meshes with the gear segment 90 on the bearingcarrier 84. With this arrangement rotation of an actuator 94 connectedto the gear 92 rotates the bearing carrier 84 within the recess 80 onthe studs 82.

The blanket cylinder 36 has an end shaft 96 mounted in the centralpassageway 98 of an eccentric bearing generally designated by thenumeral 100. The bearing 100 may be similar to the eccentric bearingdisclosed in United States Patent #2,986,086 entitled Anti-FrictionEccentric Journaling Mounting for a Rotatable Member granted on May 30,1961 to Carl 0. Siebke. The bearing includes an outer sleeve 102 withouter and inner circular peripheries 104 and 106 that are eccentric toeach other. The outer sleeve 102 is nonrotatably positioned in acircular opening in the bearing carrier 84. An outer bearing race 108 ismounted in the inner circular periphery 106 of the outer sleeve 102 andhas inclined bearing elements 110. An intermediate annular member 112.has an outer circular periphery 114 and an inner circular periphery 116that is eccentric to the outer periphery 114. The outer and innerperipheries of the intermediate member 112 are generally convex in shapeto cooperate with the sets of roller bearings. A second series of rollerbearings 118 abut the inner periphery 116 of intermediate member 112. Aninner bearing race 120 is positioned within the inner periphery 116 ofintermediate member 112 to maintain the roller bearings 118 in operativerelation therebetween. The shaft end portion 96 of blanket cylinder 36extends through the central opening or passageway 98 in the bearinginner race 12 0. A clamp 124 is secured to the eccentrically shapedintermediate member 112 to maintain the intermediate member 112 in fixedrelation relative to the body frame 74. With this arrangement, rotationof the bearing carrier 84 by means of gear 92- moves the outer eccentricmember 102 relative to the inner eccentric member 112 and moves theinner bearing race 116 and the blanket cylinder shaft 96 Within theauxiliary frame 22 to thus move the blanket cylinder 36 Within theauxiliary frame 22. The pairs of auxiliary frames 20 and 22 each includethe above described eccentric bearing for mounting and adjusting therespective blanket cylinders 32 and 36.

The auxiliary fram emembers 20 and 22 movably secured to the verticalside frames 12 and 14 are similar in construction and similar parts willbe designated by the same numerals. Referring to FIGS. 7, 3 and 4, theauxiliary side frame 22 has end portions 76 and 78 connected to the bodyportion 74. The end portion 76 has an upper horizontal edge portion 126and a lower horizontal edge portion 128 and a vertical end portion 129.A pair of spaced longitudinal slots 130 and 132 extend through the endportion 76 adjacent the upper and lower edge portions 126 and 128.Between the slots 130 and 132 there are a plurality of pin receivingpositioning apertures 134, 136, 138-, 140, 142, 144 and 146 extending inan inclined plane relative to the vertical edge portion 129. Theauxiliary frame opposite end portion 78 has a similar upper edge portion148 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and a lower edge portion 150 (FIGS. 1 and 4) whichare aligned with the respective upper and lower edge portions 126 and128 of edge portion 76. The opposite edge portion 78 has longitudinalslots 152 and 154 which are aligned with the slots 130 and 132 in theedge portion 7 6.

The vertical side frame 12 has a pair of spaced bottom rails 1'56 and158 with rectangular recessed rail portions 160 and 162 arranged toreceive the auxiliary frame end portions 76 and 78 with the respectiveend portions 128 and 150 in sliding relation with the surfaces of therecesed rail portions 160 and 162. The vertical side frame 12 hasintermediate T shaped rails 164 and 166 with lower rectangular recessedrail surfaces 168 and 170 and upper rectangular recessed rail surfaces172 and 174. The rectangular recessed rail portions 168 and 170 areparallel to the rectangular recessed rail portions 160 and 162 and arearranged to receive the upper edge portions 126 and 148 of the lowerauxiliary frame 22 to thereby slideably position the auxiliary frame 22on the vertical side frame 12. The auxiliary frame .22 is similarlypositioned on the vertical side frame 14 on similar rails.

Bolts 176 extend through the slots 130, 132, 152 and 154 to fixedlyposition the auxiliary frames 22 relative to the respective verticalside frames 12 and 14. Both the vertical side frames 12 and 14 have analigned vertical slot 178 that is in underlying relation with one of theadjusting apertures 134, 136, .138, 140, 142, 144 or 146 depending onthe relative position of the auxiliary frame 22 on the respectivevertical side frame 12. For example, in FIG. 3 the vertical slot 178 isaligned with the adjusting aperture 146 in the lower auxiliary frame 22and in FIG. 4 the vertical slot 178 is in underlying relation with theupper adjusting aperture 134. To index the relative position of theauxiliary frames 22 on the main frames 12 and 1 4, the auxiliary frames22 are moved linearly on the respective rail portions until the desiredadjusting aperture is in overlying relation with the vertical slot 178in both of the side frames 12 and .14. A pin member 180 preferablyhaving substantially the same diameter as the width of the slot 178- isinserted in the indexing aperture in the side frame and extends into thevertical slot 178 to accurately position the respective lower auxiliaryframes 22 on the vertical side frames 12 and 14.

The vertical side frames 12 and 14 have brackets 182 extending laterallytherefrom adjacent the vertical edge 129 of the auxiliary side frame 22.A bolt 184 is threadedly secured in the bracket 182 and abuts thevertical edge portion 129 of the lower auxiliary frame 22. A look nut186 locks the bolt 184 in the preselected position on the respectivevertical side frame. Both of the vertical side frames have a secondbracket member 188 that extends laterally therefrom adjacent theopposite end 78- of the lower auxiliary frame 2 2. A second adjustingbolt 190 is threadedly secured in the bracket 188 and abuts the othervertical edge portion 151 of the lower auxiliary frame 22. A similarlock nut 192 maintains the bolt in its adjusted position.

The vertical side frames 12 and 14 have upper rail portions 194 and 196extending laterally therefrom with rectangular recessed rail portions198 and 200. The upper auxilary frames 20 which are similar to the lowerauxiliary frames 22 are slidingly mounted in the lower rectangularrecessed rail portions 172 and 174 and the upper rectangular recessedrail portions 198 and 200 to permit the upper auxiliary frame 20 to beadjusted longitudinally relative to the respective vertical side frames12 and 14. Other brackets 182 and 188 are provided on the side frames 12and 14 for other adjusting bolts 184 and 190 to fixedly position theupper auxiliary frames 20 on the vertical side frames 12 and 14. Bolts176 extend through similar slots 130, 132, 152 and 154 to secure theupper auxiliary frames 20 in their adjusted position. The vertical sideframes 12 and 14 have other vertical adjusting slots 17 8 that are inunderlying relation with the indexing'apertures 134, 136, 138, 140, 142,144 and 146 in the upper auxiliary frames 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 3and 4, the indexing apertures 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144 and 146 andthe vertical slots 178 are positioned on opposite ends of the respectiveframes.

The drive mechanism for the plate and blanket cylinders 24, 32, 28 and36 is illustrated in FIGS. and 6. The plate cylinder 24 has a shaft endportion 202 on which a gear 204 and bearer 206 are nonrotatably mounted.Similarly, the upper blanket cylinder 32 has a drive gear 208 and abearer 210 nonrotatably mounted thereon. A lever 212 is pivotallypositioned on the plate cylinder shaft 202 and has rotatably mountedthereon intermediate gears 214 and 216 and bearers 215 and 217. A secondlever 218 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 220 of the upper blanketcylinder 32. The opposite end of lever 218 is pivotally connected tolever 212 to pivot about the axis of gear 216. The intermediate gear 214is in meshing relation with the gear 204 on the upper plate cylinder 24and intermediate gear 216 meshes with both intermediate gear 214 andWith the gear 208 on the upper blanket cylinder 32. The shaft 202 ofupper blanket cylinder 24 is suitably journaled in the vertical sideframe 12 and is connected to suitable bevel gearing within gear box 222.

The bearer 215 associated with intermediate gear 214 is in abuttingrelation with the bearer 206 associated with the gear 204. The bearer217 associated with the intermediate gear 216 is in abutting relationwith the bearer 215 associated with the intermediate gear 214 and withbearer 210 associated with gear 208 on the upper blanket cylinder 32.The levers 212 and 218 and the intermediate gears 214 and 216 drivinglyconnect the gears 204 and 208 in all positions of adjustment of theblanket cylinder 32. The lever 212 pivots about the fixed axis 202 ofthe upper plate cylinder 24 in an arcuate path, as indicated by thedash-dot-dash line in FIG. 5, to both maintain the bearers in abuttingrelation and the gears in proper meshing relation for plate and blanketcylinders of different diameters.

The lower plate cylinder 28 has a shaft 224 that has a drive gear 226and bearer 228 nonrotatably mounted thereon. A lever 230 similar tolever 212 is pivotally positioned on the shaft 224 and has a pair ofintermediate gears 232 and 234 rotatably mounted thereon in meshingrelation with each other similar to the intermediate gears 214 and 216.Bearers similar to bearers 215 and 217 are associated with the gears 232and 234. The gear 226 meshes with the intermediate gear 232 andintermediate gear 234 meshes with a gear 236 secured to the shaft 96 oflower blanket cylinder 36. A bearer 238 on shaft 96 is in abuttingrelation with the bearer associated with intermediate gear 234. A lever235 similar to lever 218 is pivotally connected at one end to shaft 96and at the other end to lever 230 to maintain the gears 234 and 236 inmeshing relation with each other through various positions ofadjustment.

The lower plate cylinder shaft 224 is journaled in the vertical sideframe 12 and is connected to a drive shaft 240 through suitable gearingin gear box 242. A vertical shaft 244 drivingly connects the shafts 202and 224 through the gear boxes 222 and 242 to rotate the shafts and thecylinders connected thereto at the same angular velocity. With thisarrangement the shafts 202 and 224 drive the respective plate cylinders24 and 28 and the previously described gearing transmits the rotationfrom the shafts 202 and 224 to the blanket cylinders 32 and 36. Thelevers 212 and 218 and 230 and 235 are arranged to maintain therespective gears in meshing relation when the blanket cylinders changeposition relative to the associated plate cylinders due to either anincrease or decrease in diameter of the plate and blanket cylinders. Thedifferent positions assumed by the gears with the cylinders of differentdiameter is illustrated in FIG. 5 by the dash-dotlrnes. The blanketcylinders 32 and 36 are thus movable relative to each other and relativeto the plate cylinders assoicated therewith while the drive gearingremains in meshing relation to rotate all of the cylinders at the sameangular velocity.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, inker units are diagrammatically illustratedin operative relation with the upper plate cylinder 24 and the lowerplate cylinder 28. The inker units include a fixed roller 246 andmovable form rollers 248 and 250. The movable form rollers 248 and 250are connected to the fixed roller 246 by means of levers 252 and 254.The levers 252 and 254 are both pivotally connected at one end to theshaft 256 of fixed roller 246. The other end of lever 252 is pivotallyconnected to shaft 258 of movable form roller 248. Similarly, the lever254 is pivotally connected at the other end to the shaft 260 of roller250. A spring 262 is connected to shafts 258 and 260 to urge the formrollers 248 and 250 toward each other and in abutting relation with thesurface of plate cylinder 24 and the fixed roller 246. In FIG. 3, Wherethe plate and blanket cylinders have a relatively small diameter, theform rollers 248 and 250 are illustrated in abutting relation with theplate cylinders 24 and 28. In FIG. 4, where the plate and blanketcylinders have a greater diameter than the cylinders illus trated inFIG. 3, the movable form rollers 248 and 250 are illustrated in abuttingrelation with the plate cylinders 24 and 28 with the springs 262 in anexpanded position. The springs 262 continually urge the movable formrollers 248 and 250 against the surface of the plate cylindersirrespective of the diameter of the plate cylinders. It should beunderstood that other inker arrangements may be used with the previouslydescribed web press as long as the form rollers are maintained inoperative abutting relation with plate cylinders of different diameters.

OPERATION The variable cut-01f web press may be used with plate andblanket cylinders of a relatively small diameter, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3, or with plate and blanket cylinders of a larger diameter,as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. Plate and blanket cylinders ofdiameters between the diameters illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 may also bepositioned on the press to provide different sized printed images. Forconvenience, seven different diameter cylinders can be positioned on theweb press previously described, the number being controlled by thenumber of index apertures 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144 and 146 providedon the auxiliary frames and 22. It should be understood, however,depending on the desired number of different lengths of printed imagedesired, the number of different diameter cylinders that may bepositioned on the press may be increased or decreased by increasing ordecreasing the number of indexes on the auxiliary frames 20 and 22.

To change from one length of printed image of a printed web to a seconddifferent length, the plates positioned on the standard cylinder 40 areremoved therefrom and the plates and shims, where necessary, for theother length of printed image are positioned on the standard cylinder40. For convenience a conversion from the size cylinder illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 3 to the size cylinder illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 will bedescribed in reference to FIGS. 14, 10 and 11. Assuming the press hasbeen operating with cylinders of the diameter illustrated in FIGS. 1 and3, with the lateral displacement of the blanket cylinders 32 and 36 andthe angular displacement between the plane through the axes 34 and 38illustrated in FIG. 1, the press is stopped and the indexing pins 180are removed from the apertures 134 and slots 178 in all of the auxiliaryframes 20 and 22. The bolts 176 are loosened to release the auxiliaryframes 20 and 22 from the respective side frames 12 and 14 and theauxiliary frames 20 are moved in a direction from right to left, asillustrated in FIG. 3, to move the blanket cylinder 32 away from platecylinder 24. The eccentric bearing support 84 may also be adjusted tomove the blanket cylinder downwardly to a limited extent and away fromthe plate cylinder 24. The clamp 290 (FIG. 10) is disengaged from thecylinder 40 by rotating shafts 310 and 318 with eccentrics 304 and 282in a counter clockwise direction and the plate 50 is loosened on thestandard cylinder 40. The clamp 290 with flange 54 is removed from theslot 270 and the cylinders of the press are slowly rotated through acomplete revolution while the relatively flexible plate 50 is beingremoved from the standard cylinder 40. The same procedure is repeatedwith the plate cylinder 24. The lower auxiliary frames 22 are movedlongitudinally in a similar manner to space the lower blanket cylinder36 from the lower plate cylinder 28 and the upper blanket cylinder 32.The plates 50 secured to the plate and blanket cylinders 28 and 36 areremoved therefrom in a similar manner.

The shim 58 and plate 56 for the plate and blanket cylinders 24, 32 and28, 36 are premounted and the register checked on a master cylinderremote from the press. The shims 58 and plates 56 with the clamps 288and 290 secured thereto are removed from the master cylinder andpositioned on the standard cylinder 40 of the respective plate andblanket cylinders in the following manner.

The clamp 288 is positioned in the elongated slot 270 and engagedtherein by the ball 300 extending into the detent on pin 296. Thecylinder 40 is then slowly rotated by the press drive mechanism toposition the shim 58 and plate 56 on the outer surface of the cylinder40'. The The cylinder is rotated until the clamp 290 is in overlyingrelation with the elongated slot 270. The clamp 290 is inserted in theslot 270 in abutting relation with the clamp 288 and the shafts 310 and318 are rotated to engage the clamps 288 and 290 within the slot 270 andpull the plate 56 taut about the cylinder 40. The shim 58 can befabricated of any suitable material, as for example, any commerciallyavailable relatively flexible and dimensionally stable plastic orreinforced rubber or a relatively flexible metal or alloy. The plates 50and 56 are preferably fabricated from a relatively flexible metal oralloy similar to that now employed as plates in the graphic artsindustry.

Although the clamps 288 and 290 have been described for clamping thevarious plats to the standard cylinder, it should be understood thatother types of locking devices may be employed.

After the shim 58 and plates 56 have been secured to all of thecylinders, the bolts 184 and 190 are adjusted in the brackets 182 and188 to move the index aperture of the respective upper and lowerauxiliary frames into overlying relation with the vertical slots 178.For example, in FIG. 4, the lower auxiliary frame 22 is adjusted bymeans of bolts 184 and 190 to position the indexing aperture 134 ofauxiliary frame 22 in overlying relation with the vertical slot 178.Both auxiliary frames 22 supporting the lower blanket cylinder are sopositioned on the respective vertical side frames 12 and 14. Pins aremoved in the apertures 134 and extend into the vertical slots 178. Thebolts 176 are then tightened to secure the lower auxiliary frames 22 inthis adjusted position. Similarly, each of the upper auxiliary frames 20are moved longitudinally by the bolts 184 and until the lower indexingaperture 146 is in alignment with the vertical slot 178 and a pin 180 isinserted through the indexing aperture 146 into the slot 178. Again,bolts 176 are tightened to secure the upper auxiliary frames 22 in fixedrelation on the vertical side frames 12 and 14. The actuator 94 (FIG. 7)is then rotated to move the blanket cylinders 32 and 36 into abuttingrelation with each other and also into abutting relation with the platecylinders 24 and 28. The lateral displacement of the blanket cylinders32 and 36 and the angular displacement of the plane through the axes 34and 38 is increased as illustrated in FIG. 3 from that illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 9 illustrates the arcuate path followed by the axis of the upperblanket cylinder 32 in various positions of adjustment. The verticallines in FIG. 9 correspond to the adjusted positions similar to indexingapertures 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144 and 146.

For reasons of brevity, the description of the printing plate on theplate cylinders and the printing blanket for the blanket cylinder havebeen omitted. It should be understood, however, that the printing platemay be the plate 50 or the plate 56 on the plate cylinders 24 and 28 andthe printing blanket may be the plate 50 or the plate 56 positioned onthe blanket cylinders 32 and 36. Other suitable means for providingprinting plates and printing blankets may be employed without departingfrom the herein described invention.

The eccentric bearings in which the blanket cylinders are journaled mayalso be employed to move the blanket cylinders into on position forprinting or into 01f printing position where the cylinders are spacedrelative to each other. The eccentric bearing may also be used to adjustthe spacing between the blanket cylinders for paper of differentthickness. Where more relative movement between the cylinders isdesired, the plate cylinders may also be journaled in eccentric bearingsmounted in the side frames 12 and 14. The eccentric rings of thebearings may be adjusted relative to each other to move the axis of theplate cylinders for adjustment of the plate cylinders in the main framerelative to the blanket cylinders.

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, 1

have explained the principle, preferred construtcion, and mode ofoperation of my invention and have illustrated and described what I nowconsider to represent its best embodiments. However, I desire to have itunderstood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated anddescribed.

I claim:

1. A variable size web fed printing press comprising,

a pair of vertical spaced main frame members,

a pair of auxiliary frame members with one of said auxiliary framemembers mounted on each main frame member and operable to move linearlyrelative to said respective frame member,

a plate cylinder journaled in said main frame members for rotationtherein,

a blanket cylinder journaled in said auxiliary frame members forrotation therein, the axis of said blanket cylinder being parallel tothe axis of said plate cylinder,

an impression cylinder positioned adjacent to said blanket cylinder,said blanket cylinder displaced laterally from said impression cylinder,

means to vary the circumferential dimension of both said plate andblanket cylinders while said plate and blanket cylinders are journaledin said main frame members and said auxiliary frame members respectivelyto thereby change the size of the product printed by said blanketcylinder,

drive means to rotate said plate and blanket cylinders at the sameperipheral speed, and

means to move said auxiliary frame members linearly on said main framemembers to simultaneously move the blanket cylinder toward or away fromboth said plate cylinder and said impression cylinder a suflicientdistance so that plate and blanket cylinders of differentcircumferential dimensions may be positioned in operative abuttingrelation to each other and said blanket cylinder positioned in operativeabutting relation with said impression cylinder.

2. A variable size web fed printing press as set forth in claim 1 whichincludes,

rail members mounted on said main frame members,

said auxiliary frame members mounted on said rail members for linearmovement of said blanket cylinder relative to said plate cylinder.

3. A variable size web fed printing press as set forth in claim 1 whichincludes,

adjustment means mounted on said auxiliary frame members,

said blanket cylinder journaled in said adjustment means for movement ofsaid blanket cylinder relative to said auxiliary frame members.

4. A variable size web fed printing press as set forth in claim 3 inwhich said adjustment means includes,

an eccentric bearing mounted in each of said auxiliary frame members,

said blanket cylinder journaled in said eccentric bearing, and

means to rotate each of the outer annular bearing carriers of saideccentric bearings relative to intermediate annular members of saideccentric bearings to thereby move said blanket cylinder relative tosaid auxiliary frame members.

5. A variable size web fed printing press as set forth in claim 1 whichincludes,

an elongated slot in each of said main frame members,

a plurality of positioning apertures in each of said auxiliary framemembers,

said auxiliary frame members positioned with at least 12 one of saidpositioning apertures in overlying relation with said vertical slot, andpin means extending through one of said positioning apertures in saidauxiliary frame into said elongated 5 slot to position said auxiliaryframe member on said main frame member.

6. A variable size web fed printing press as set forth in claim 1 inwhich said drive means includes,

a first gear nonrotatably secured to said plate cylinder,

9. first lever pivotally secured to said plate cylinder,

a second gear rotatably mounted on said first lever and in meshingrelation with said first gear,

a third gear nonrotatably mounted on said blanket cylinder,

second lever pivotally secured adjacent one end to said blanket cylinderand pivotally secured adjacent the other end to said first lever,

a fourth gear rotatably mounted on said first lever in meshing relationwith said third gear on said blanket cylinder and said second gear onsaid first lever so that drive is transmitted from said first gear tosaid third gear through said second and fourth gears,

said levers operable to maintain said gears in meshing relation forplate and blanket cylinders of different circumferential dimension, and

drive means to rotate said plate cylinder and said first gear.

7. A variable size web fed printing press as set forth in claim 1 inwhich said means to vary the circumferential 30 dimension of said plateand blanket cylinders includes,

a base cylinder of fixed circumferential dimension having a longitudinalslot with an inclined Wall,

a first clamp member engaging a depending longitudinal flange of anannular cover member,

said first clamp member positioned in said slot in abutting relationwith said inclined wall,

means to engage said first clamp member in said slot,

at first eccentric member rotatably positioned in said first clampmember,

a second clamp member engaging the other depending longitudinal fiangeof said annular cover member, said annular cover member positionedaround said base cylinder and said second clamp member positioned insaid longitudinal slot adjacent to said first clamp member,

a second eccentric member rotatably positioned on said second clampmember,

said second eccentric member abutting a surface of said longitudinalslot and urging said cover member circumferentially toward said firstclamp member,

said first eccentric member urging said second clamp member radiallyinwardly toward said base cylinder axis, and

said clamp members operable to secure annular cover members havingdifferent circumferential dimensions to said base cylinder.

8. A variable size web fed printing press as set forth in claim 7 whichincludes, an annular shim member positioned between the outer surface ofsaid base cylinder cylinder and the inner surface of said annular coverto provide support for said annular cover secured to said base cylinderby said clamp members.

9. A method of printing different sized product on a web fed presscomprising,

simultaneously moving a blanket cylinder away from both a plate cylinderand an impression cylinder while said cylinders remain journaled in saidpress,

removing an annular cover having a first circumferential dimension fromsaid plate cylinder while said plate cylinder remains journaled in saidpress,

removing an annular cover having said first circumferential dimensionfrom said blanket cylinder while said blanket cylinder remains journaledin said press, positioning a second annular cover having a secondcircumferential dimension different from said first circumferentialdimension on said plate cylinder and engaging said second annular coverto said plate cylinder while said plate cylinder remains journaled insaid press,

positioning a second annular cover having a second circumferentialdimension different from said first circumferential dimension on saidblanket cylinder while said blanket cylinder remains journaled in saidpress,

engaging said second annular cover to said blanket cylinder, and

thereafter moving said blanket cylinder toward both said plate cylinderand said impression cylinder into abutting printing relation with saidplate cylinder and said impression cylinder for printing a differentsized product on said press.

10. A variable size web fed perfecting printing press comprising,

a pair of vertical spaced main frame members,

a pair of upper auxiliary frame members with one of said auxiliary framemembers mounted on each main frame and operable to move linearly on saidrespective main frame members,

a pair of lower auxiliar frame members with one of said auxiliary framemembers mounted on each main frame member and operable to move linearlyon said respective main frame member,

an upper plate cylinder having a removable cylindrical main coverthereon journaled in said main frame members for rotation therein,

a lower plate cylinder having a removable cylindrical cover thereonjournaled in said main frame members for rotation therein in spacedrelation to said upper plate cylinder,

an upper blanket cylinder havng a removable cylindrical cover thereonjournaled in said upper auxiliary frame members for rotation therein,the axis of said upper blanket cylinder being parallel to the axis ofsaid plate cylinders,

a lower blanket cylinder having a removable cylindrical cover thereonjournaled in said lower auxiliary frame members for rotation therein,the axis of said lower blanket cylinder being parallel to the axis ofsaid plate cylinder, said blanket cylinders being displaced laterallyrelative to each other,

said upper and lower blanket cylinders positioned closely adjacent toeach other and spaced a distance from each other corresponding to thethickness of the web to be printed and adapted to receive the webtherebetween and simultaneously print on both sides of said web,

means to move said upper auxiliary frame members on said main framemembers to simultaneously move said upper blanket cylinder a sufficientdistance away from both said upper plate cylinder and away from saidlower blanket cylinder so that the covers on said upper plate andblanket cylinders may be removed therefrom,

means to move said lower auxiliary frame members on said main framemembers to simultaneously move said lower blanket cylinder a sufficientdistance away from both said lower plate cylinder and said upper blanketcylinders so that the outer cover on said lower plate and blanketcylinders may be removed therefrom,

means to vary the circumferential dimension of said plate and blanketcylinders by positioning outer cylinder coverings having differentcircumferential dimensions thereon while said cylinders remain journaledin said respective frame members to thereby change the size of theproduct printed by said blanket cylinders without removing saidcylinders from said press, and

drive means to rotate said upper and lower plate and upper and lowerblanket cylinders at the same peripheral speed.

11. A variable size web fed perfecting press as set forth in claim 10which includes,

upper, intermediate and lower rail members mounted on said main framemembers in parallel spaced relation to each other, said upper auxiliaryframe members mounted on said upper and intermediate rail members forlinear movement of said upper blanket cylinder relative to said lpperplate cylinder and said lower blanket cyliner, said lower auxiliaryframe members mounted on said intermediate and lower rail members forlinear movement of said lower blanket cylinder relative to said lowerplate cylinder and said upper blanket cylinder. 12. A variable size webfed perfecting printing press as set forth in claim 10 which includes,

adjustment means mounted on said upper and lower auxiliary framemembers,

said upper and lower blanket cylinders journaled in said adjustmentmeans for movement of said upper and lower blanket cylinders toward andaway from each other.

13. A variable size web fed perfecting press as set forth in claim 11which includes,

an eccentric bearing member mounted in each of said auxiliary framemembers,

said upper and lower blanket cylinders journaled in said respectiveeccentric bearings, and

means to rotate each of the outer annular bearing carriers of saideccentric bearings relative to intermediate annular members of saideccentric bearings to thereby move said blanket cylinders toward andaway from each other.

14. A variable size web fed perfecting press as set forth in claim 10which includes,

a plurality of elongated slots in said main frame members,

a plurality of positioning apertures in each of said auxiliary framemembers,

each of said auxiliary frame members positioned with at least one ofsaid positioning apertures in overlying relation with said vertical slottherebeneath, and

pin means extending through said positioning apertures in saidrespective auxiliary frame into said elongated slot to position saidauxiliary frame members on said main frame member in preselectedpositions relative to each other to thereby position said blanketcylinders relative to each other.

15. Apparatus for engaging an outer annular cover having longitudinaldepending flanges to a cylinder having an elongated slot thereincomprising,

a first clamp member having a body portion abutting an inclined sidewall of said slot,

means to engage said first clamp member in said longitudinal slot inabutting relation with said inclined wall,

a first eccentric member rotatably positioned in said first clampmember,

said first clamp member engaging one of said depending fianges of saidcover member, said cover member extending around said cylinder,

a second clamp member engaging the other depending longitudinal flangeof said cover member, said second clamp member positioned in saidlongitudinal slot adjacent said first clamp member,

a second eccentric member abutting a surface of said longitudinal slotand urging said cover member circumferentially toward said first clampmember,

said first eccentric member urging said second clamp member radiallyinwardly toward said base cylinder axis, and

said clamp members operable to secure annular cover 15 16 members havingdifferent circumferential dimensions 1,763,124 6/ 1930 Barber 101-378 UXto said base cylinder. 2,186,764 1/ 1940 Meisel 101-4l5.1 3,203,3468/1965 Norton 101-142 X Refere s Cited 3,463,082 8/1969 Kaufer 101-144UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 FOREIGN PATENTS 973,599 10/1910 Wheat 101-220 X855,408 11/1952 Germany 10l-415.1 1,086,722 2/1914 Langston 101-247 UX387,660 2/1965 Switzerland 101-220 1,100,066 6/1914 Firm 101-220 1,30,72 1919 s i 101 22 X 10 CLYDE I.COUGHENOUR,Pr1mary Exarnlner 1,320,35810/1919 Bacon 101-247 UX 1,358,843 11/1920 Grass 101 142 1,590,7426/1926 Goulding 101-220 X 101 143,179, 247, 378,.415 1

